X FACTOR STAR’S PAL ‘KICKED AND PUNCHED LAD, 18 WITHOUT MERCY’
ANTHONY ‘LUCKY TO STILL BE ON SHOW’
BY TOM BRYANT X FACTOR star Anthony Russell has outraged show bosses by being pictured larking about with a brutal killer.
The singer is seen with friend Michael Sands in a photo where he marks their long friendship by posting: “Nice day with the fellas my man Mike day oner!”
But X Factor bosses, including Simon Cowell, are said to have considered kicking the finalist off the show for his actions.
Sands had been jailed for battering defenceless Neil Murphy, 18, in Liverpool in 2010. The victim suffered brain damage after being punched and kicked in the head in an attack the trial judge described as “without mercy”. He died days later.
After the X Factor bosses were alerted to the picture, taken earlier this year, a source said yesterday: “Producers weren’t aware of this and only found out today. They are absolutely furious with Anthony for not telling them about this.
“He has put his career at risk, not just this weekend at the X Factor final but if he wants a career in showbiz, by going back to Liverpool and posing with this man.
“He was hanging around with someone guilty of a horrendous crime.
“Sands is one of his oldest friends but it looks terrible and producers, including Simon, are furious the show’s reputation has been put at risk. Anthony has been severely reprimanded.
“He is under no illusions of the seriousness of this. He is very lucky to still be on the show.”
Sands, who was 22 at the time, punched and kicked 10st Neil as he lay on the ground.
Sands was convicted of manslaughter and got eight-and-a-half years’ jail.
Russell said last night: “I can only apologise if this photo has upset anyone.”
A source added: “Anthony was friends with the victim as well. He was devastated.”